Katy Widger's Raindance Journal

Mati

2009-12-30T10:45:00.003-07:00

Don't let the grey muzzle fool you, this girl is still very much young at heart. You can see her playful spirit in her eyes, in her countenance and posture.
Mati, short for Matilda, is named for the character in the Roald Dahl short story. She was the one left out, from whom not much was expected. That sort of explains Mati's start in life, as well. She was the little shy one, last of her litter, the unchosen. But someone wanted her, very much. And saw the potential in those beautiful eyes. She's now ten years into her life with her special people, who very much love and adore this young lady.
.
I finished this painting just in time for Christmas.
It's an 8 x 10 oil on linen-covered board. $170.00.
If you're interested in a painting of your beloved four legged friend, contact me at www.katywidger.com and together we'll immortalize your special pal, too.

Hunter

2009-12-01T15:22:00.006-07:00

His coming was a surprise, but not unexpected. I woke up one morning with plans for the weekend that did not include a trip to the mountains of Magdelena to look at a very special German Shepherd Dog. But there has been this giant hole in my restless heart for three years now that just will not be filled. In fact, it feels as if it has grown even larger. Three incredible Lhasa Apsos, whom I love and adore, could not fill it. I didn't ask them to try. They are their own sweet selves and occupy another niche in my canine heart entirely.

I have wanted this dog my whole life. Ever since I read Lad, a Dog by Alfred Terhune, The Call of the Wild by Jack London as a child and more recently, Adam's Task by Vicki Hearne, A Good Dog by Jon Katz. And certainly The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski, probably one of the greatest dog stories ever written. I can only pray that I am worthy of this dog, this Hunter, this noble beast.

He has integrated into the pack effortlessly. Sadie accepts him as her charge, and he accepts her as Alpha and his superior. Zeke, not having ever seen a 32 lb puppy before, protected me from him for a couple of hours, until he was convinced that he posed no threat. Wyatt was unsure and a little fearful, but his timidity is giving way to acceptance and curiosity. He and Zeke are already friends, and Zeke does a great job not only of playing and rough-housing with him, but acting the part of "Uncle". He's been with us for 72 hours now. Just give us a week, and this pack will be one cohesive machine. The Apsos have their Mastiff. I have almond eyes attached to a Strongheart of devotion.

Samson and Delilah

2009-11-24T16:03:00.004-07:00

Samson and Delilah live the pampered lives of Persian cats well-kept by their person. And it's pretty obvious, upon meeting them, as to whom is in charge. What's that they say, "Dogs have masters, but cats have staff."
They didn't exactly pose for this portrait; I had to sort of follow them around and catch them at odd moments, laying on my belly with camera in hand, waiting for the right pose, the perfect "look".
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two aristocats as they "talked" to me through the paint. When their eyes "speak" to me, I know I'm close to capturing them on the canvas.

Samson and Delilah
16 x 20 oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
$420.00 SOLD
You can commission one of your special friend at
katywidger.com

Innocence and Confidences

2009-11-23T12:33:00.009-07:00

The title comes from an old Simon and Garfunkel song, which is fitting considering the song was popular about the time the photo was taken. The little girl is now a woman and the lovely dog is, well, gone to heaven where all good dogs go.

I have to admit that I pretty much manufactured the background in the painting. It's much more romantic than the actual background in the old photo, and adds to the idea I was going for here.

My inspiration is the devotion little girls feel for their dogs, and the unconditional love they receive in return. Dogs love their little girls, literally, unto death, and think nothing of giving themselves completely to the care and protection of their charges. Nothing in the whole wide world would willingly separate them. That sort of innocent love exists only for the pure of heart, such as between a little girl and her dog.

"Innocence and Confidences"

16x20

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

If interested in purchase, please contact me at katywidger.com

Three Lhasa Apsos

2009-05-23T11:30:00.005-06:00

These are my three Lhasa Apsos, Wyatt, Zeke and Sadie.

Wyatt is Sadie's son, and Zeke's first cousin. Sadie is Zeke's aunt. They are family, and they are my family, my kids.

In these three little 12x12 paintings, I tried to capture their individuality within the same format. Each has a favorite toy, a favorite spot on the bed, a way of relating to me that is different from the others.

Wyatt is the youngest, always ready to have a good time. I'd easily know him if I were blind, by his reach (he's the tallest of the three), by the jingle of his tags as he jauntily trots through the house, and by his sudden and accurate leaps onto my lap when least expected. Sadie seems to think that he's still a "goober" in need of her discipline. I can't argue that. He still won't come when called and occasionally makes a mad dash out the gate and has to be rounded up, oblivious to any dangers lurking. Wyatt loves all his toys, but the green frog is a particular favorite (notice the missing eye).

The Zeke has a presence all his own. He is a gentleman and very dignified, except when he's not, and that usually involves play time, or just general Apso Happiness expressed in odd posturings on the couch, butt in the air, grunts and growls of pleasure emanating from his face buried in the cushions. Zeke is the Guardian and Overseer of our little Raindance Farm. As much as I would like to think, and say, otherwise, it is his decision as to whom is allowed in the front door. I'm not sure what to do about that, except to accept his judgment and apologize profusely for my inability to control his vocalizations....The Zeke you see growling and scratching his displeasure at your presence is not the same one who cuddles up next to my heart at night on the bed.

Tiny Sadie, on the other hand, is quiet, unobtrusive and relies on her cuteness to win over anyone not instantly smitten by her charm. She is, however, pretty much in charge of the boys, especially Wyatt. Well, to be honest, she is pretty much in charge of all of us. And she rarely has to do more than ask, with charm and aplomb, to receive anything her little heart desires. Spoiled? Of course she is. But rarely does she abuse the privileges she receives or the authority she commands. My little Sadie Wonder is queen of my heart!

These three paintings are going to a show at the Rio Rancho County Club for June, July and August.

Easter Lily

2009-04-15T10:31:00.001-06:00

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Happy Easter!

8" x 10" oil on board

Available

contact me at

katy@katywidger.com

Boston

2009-03-28T12:38:00.002-06:00

This sweet, gentle soul was rescued from a reservation in New Mexico.
His new guardians adopted him at about eight weeks, but he already had lots of “issues.” Mostly, afraid of people and things, but totally bonded to his mom. So much so, in fact that she calls him her Velcro shadow and takes him to work with her often, where he occupies the space beneath her desk. He likes to cuddle on the couch and play with his big brother, Pike. And he has a treasured collection of “woobies”—his stuffed animals. I’m dying for a good photo of him with all his woobies in his mouth—what a great painting!

8" x 10"

Oil on Linen Board

SOLD

Buds

2009-02-28T17:16:00.002-07:00

A girl and her dog in the park on a warm spring day. Do we remember those sun sprinkled days when we're older and life is no longer simple and easy and warm?
This dog gave all he had to those who loved him truly, and this girl grew up to love deeply the other wonderful canines who came into her life.
A fleeting moment in our life, a day in the park. Yet it defines so much of who we are. And it will yet warm our hearts if we but ask it to.

"Buds"
14" x 14"
Oil on wrapped canvas.

Katy is 55, O My!

2009-02-17T15:28:00.003-07:00

Fifty-five is not a lot, of money, or hours to wait,
but in years we think and yearn of passions we didn’t get to sate.

A mystery it arrived so soon; it should have been a long, long trip.
Events years ago, remembered still, though some names begin to slip.

And even with some aches and pains, not welcomed nor desired,
the simple things still make you grin, the child is unexpired!

It’s your laughter at dogs so silly; a palette of fresh oil paint.
A bird that says “I love you”; it’s not the things that ain’t!

They say it’s just a state of mind; thinking so makes one old;
it’s not the years, but the miles; at least that’s what we’re told.

Still, you look “mahvelous”, as Billy says, so much younger than your years.
Please see your reflection in my eyes of love, not in the cruel mirrors.

So don’t lament the fifty-five, enjoy it and have your kicks.
Because in three-hundred-sixty-five more days, you’ll be fifty six!

My love, forever and ever,
Ken

Kaiser

2009-02-08T11:45:00.002-07:00

Hidden behind this sweet, caring face, nearly constant wagging tail and occasional smile, is an attitude. This dog understands perseverance and pain.
Kaiser has been plagued almost his whole eleven years by physical problems leading to discomforts that would have most humans in a wheel chair, or worse. Since he was adopted from the pound as a puppy by his mom, Karen, he’s been beset with arthritis in both knees that makes running difficult, and tumors that sometimes make it difficult for him to roll over or lay on his back. He’s endured numerous surgeries to fix his knees and remove various tumors, and throughout it all he has remained calm and happy with his life. Maybe that’s because his favorite things to do are lying in the sun, sniffing the breeze and long, slow walks with his people. Hard to beat the simple pleasures!
Kaiser is a King of a Dog for many reasons, but his mom is especially close to him because of an extreme event in her life in which Kaiser responded by demonstrating to her just what dogs do best. He was able to comfort her in that way that dogs do, without words, just by being there, his grand spirit empathizing with her pain, absorbing her negative emotions and returning to her his unconditional love until the ordeal passed. She has returned the favor in her devotion and care of his physical needs. Is there any love that can surpass that of a woman and her dog?

8" x 10" oil on wrapped canvas

$160.00 SOLD

Dog Portraits by Commission

www.katywidger.com

Poncho

2009-01-31T11:04:00.002-07:00

Here's a portrait of a happy dog! Life is good for Poncho. He's a hugable, sweet natured clown who just likes to have a good time. When he's out on the ranch with his "Aunt" Susan, he has found true pleasure in partying with all the other dogs and goats, playing, barking to his big heart's content and just tearing off across a field to see what's out there. Oh! The joy of being allowed to be a dog! Sniffing, barking, running, playing!
Those languid brown eyes of his are the window to an empathetic soul that loves deeply and truly. Susan says Poncho will give you his paw and look deeply into your eyes as he "talks" to you. Those of us who know that dogs really do talk to us, both verbally and with their hearts, understand and are in awe of dogs like Poncho. We have a lot to learn from him. He lives his life completely in the present, one happy moment at a time, and gives joyful thanks for every blessing! Lead us on, Poncho!
8" x 10" oil on wrapped canvas
$160.00 SOLD
Dog Portraits in Oil at
http://www.katywidger.com/

Gabriel the Guardian

2008-12-31T10:17:00.002-07:00

Gabe lives on South Mountain Dairy, too, where he is particularly loved and respected by all the Girls there on the dairy. He's Butter's "boss" and fully employed as the official Guardian of the Goats. You just can't help but love this big guy.

He's a noble beast. He greets visitors with the manner and bearing of a distinguished gentlemen receiving callers to the manor. At the same time, you should know, he's checking you out. That Great Pyrennes-sized head contains a brain to match. He has a job to do and he takes it very seriously. Neither man nor beast will harm his goats while Gabriel is on call, and that's 24/7/365. The human goat-keepers say they've never had a coyote problem since Gabe came, and they live right in the heart of coyote country. Oh, Gabriel, you great big angel of a dog! What an honor to capture your spirit on canvas! Thank you for the privilege.

Gabriel the Guardian

8" x 10"

Oil on wrapped Canvas

$160.00 SOLD

Dog Portraits by Commission

www.katywidger.com

Butterscotch

2008-12-17T10:52:00.004-07:00

This handsome boy lives on South Mountain Dairy Goat Farm in central New Mexico.
He's just a youngster, but he's got a serious job to do, and he does it very well.
Butter is a rescue dog. Marge brought him home from the Farmer's Market where she'd been selling her dairy products one Saturday not long ago.
From all indications, he's a most excellent dog and much loved. I can personally attest to the fact that he's quite charming, well-behaved and very alert to everything that goes on in and around the farm. Every dog needs a job, and Butter has found not only his vocation, but his forever home, as well.
"Butterscotch"
8" x 10" oil on canvas
$160.00 unframed SOLD
www.katywidger.com

Pikey

2008-11-26T11:58:00.003-07:00

Nikki says Pike was named after the William Holden character in the movie Wild Bunch, not so much because he reminded them of the character, but because it's one of Don's favorite movies. Still, Pike is 89 pounds of pure muscle with a huge bark and a tough guy exterior. But that's all wrapped around a goofball who only tires of fetching his ball long enough to curl up like a fawn, folding his legs against his body and sleeping the way only the truly happy and pure of heart can melt away into sweet dreams.

Just so happened I was reading Marley & Me in anticipation of the movie coming out soon as I was painting Pike and his slobbery tennis ball. Nikki says of the book/movie previews, "that's our Pikey."

8" x 10" Oil on linen covered board

$160.00 unframed (SOLD)

Dog Portraits by commission at www.katywidger.com

Nikki's Pike

2008-11-24T13:09:00.003-07:00

I finished this working drawing of a blonde lab named Pike this Monday morning. I'll start on the underpainting this afternoon, and hopefully finish it by Wednesday.
Pike belongs to Nikki and Don in Colorado, and I'll be painting him along with his pack mates Mati and Boston.
Pike is about eight years old, and it's pretty obvious that he loves to play with his ball.
I got a chance to "examine" a blonde lab up close in the Doggie Grocery Store yesterday afternnoon, to get a close look at that noble profile, the shape of her skull , that egg-shape roundness at the back of her head and the set of her eyes. Characteristics shared by most blonde labs and very useful for me to observe and remember as I paint Pike's portrait. Her nose, too, had the same pink tone that Pike's does. Beautiful, good-natured affectionate dogs who genuinely love both their people and goofing around with tennis balls!

Beauty Grace Joy!

2008-11-08T09:54:00.004-07:00

How is it that the fresh, innocent face of a child never fails to bring a smile! There's a certain joy that wells up, a delight unlike any other, when that new little person smiles back at us!

Eyes so full of curious intent and ageless wisdom we dare not look away, less we miss a pearl.

Oh! The Grace of a God who would create such a being and give her to us for a time, to gaze on her beauty and bask in the glow of her radiance, as if the Spirit of God who dwells within, overflows and fills the room with His radiant light!

How do we answer such a gift? With love!

For He first loved us, and sent His Son as such a babe on a cold winter night so long ago.

Beauty Grace Joy!
12" x 9"

Oil on Canvas

Leader of the Pack

2008-10-22T12:11:00.002-06:00

I just finished this wet, juicy painting of our Sadie Wonder yesterday afternoon, and have been trying to photograph it under various light configurations, to eliminate the reflective shine off the wet, thick paint, all morning. I’ve come to the conclusion that it can’t be done. I’ll try again when it’s dry. It was painted with a very limited palette of Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Red, Ultramarine Blue, Phalo Green and White. This translates as a warm yellow, a warm red, cool red, cool blue and blue green, which is a “warm” color in most circumstances. I’ve always used a limited palette, but this is even more restrictive, and therefore, freeing! Proof positive that, indeed, less is more!
I hope the rich colors in the painting comes through on your screen. There was no tube black used in this painting, and all the colors, being mixed from the primary colors listed above, have a beautiful harmony, from the brights to the rich neutrals.

Sadie’s the leader of our Pack of Three Apsos, which now includes her son, Whyatt.
I’ll get a painting done of Whyatt soon, so you can see what a delightful fellow he is, too.
But tiny Sadie, who weighs all of 11 pounds, is definitely the Alpha Female of this pack.
She keeps order according to her own set of canine laws. No one argues with her, either.
Truth be told, the humans of the household are under her command, too. Other than asking her to sit for treats, she pretty much orders us around, too. We do her bidding: opening doors, going for “pokes”, playing “tricks for treats” and even, once, taking them for a car ride, just because Sadie said so. She’s a benevolent leader, however. Generous with kisses and cuddles.
She’s just about the sweetest little dog I’ve ever known, and just look at those eyes! A Champion and mother of Champions, she’s Top Dog around here.

If you want to see a funny little video of our Apsos in Action, go to http://www.zeketheapso.us/ and click on The Zeke and Sadie Show on the left side of the front page. Then, click on "Apsos help make "their" bed" on the little videos. It'll give you a good idea of how apsos can take over your life, in a wonderful way!

As always, Dog Portraits by Commission at www.katywidger.com

This 8 x 10 oil on archival linen board would sell for $160, if it were for sale, which it isn't.

Happy to paint one of your beloved, though!

The Value of Color

2008-10-05T14:54:00.003-06:00

I recently took a workshop with a well-known regional landscape painter named David Schwindt. The workshop was held at the Starlight Ranch Artist Retreat and B & B which has wonderful accommodations and spectacular views. The colors this time of year are just delicious!

This particular workshop dealt with strategies for painting the landscape indoors, and seven kinds of color contrasts, two vital elements in successful landscape painting, especially for those of us who don’t have many opportunities to go out in the field and do a lot of painting.
David has spent much of his life studying color and his paintings “are about light and how various kinds of light – morning, evening, high noon and twilight –affect the way we perceive an object and especially our natural environment.”

One of the first exercises I chose to do was to translate a value study into color. Successful paintings always have a basic value structure underlying the color, like the “bones” or skeleton underlying the “flesh” of the color and detail. As artists, we must learn to see colors as values, light to dark, and translate those colors into the right values, or the painting won't "read" correctly. I’ve often heard it said, “Color gets the credit but value does the work.”

I painted this value study from a small (and not very good) photo I took several years ago of the Taos Gorge. The next day, I “translated” the value study into a color study. It was a good exercise. Both paintings are 5" x 7" oil on canvas board.

Griz

2008-10-03T12:21:00.003-06:00

Some kind soul found him out in the rain and took him to the humane association as a puppy.
Somehow he received a diagnosis of “aggressive male” and the people who fell in love with the beautiful little puppy sitting quietly at the front of his kennel, while all the other dogs were barking like crazy, took him home, anyway.
He was a one-man dog, playful in a reserved sort of way, and not much interested in toys, other dogs or most people. Wolf-life in appearance and manners, he was in his element camping with his people on the high bluffs of Northern New Mexico.
Griz is now in his golden years, and recently met with a terrible accident while on one last camping trip. He’s at home recovering now, receiving all the love and attention he deserves and needs to complete his journey with dignity and respect for the many years of loyalty and friendship he’s so willingly given.
May God bless your remaining days, Old Griz.

Oil on linen-covered board.

8" x 10"

Ada Grace

2008-09-15T15:11:00.002-06:00

Ada: A Hebrew name meaning “Beauty.”
Grace: The unmerited gift of love and favor bestowed by God on mankind. A sense of what is right and proper. Beauty, charm, good will, mercy. A musical note, not necessary to the melody, added only for ornamentation…..

This little Extraordinary Miracle came into our lives quite unexpectedly. She is my husband’s first grandchild. I claim her as granddaughter, also. I’ve known her mother for twenty-eight years, since she was five years old. She was unexpected because we weren’t really expecting any grandchildren. But, here she is, bright eyes and beautiful mouth, tiny nose and long fingers, perfect little being with the awesome power to bring you to your knees in total love and devotion with one glance!

She is indeed beautiful, no doubt about that! And the ornamentation of her existence has bestowed renewed love and favor to the melody of our lives. Reconciliation, thy name is Ada Grace! We praise and thank Almighty God for the blessing you are to us, and ask His daily blessing on your life. May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine on you and guide you ever onward towards the Future and the Hope that He has set out for you!
We love you with all our hearts, Sweet Ada Grace!

Wild Wild West

2008-08-25T14:41:00.007-06:00

That’s me, sitting on Abrams, a Longhorn Steer about five years old.
He weighs almost a ton! What a sweetheart he was, too! I rubbed his face, scratched his chin, fed him some “steer candy”, wiped my now very slobbery hand on my jeans, and climbed aboard!
Clay, his owner, remarked, “You’ve ridden before, haven’t you.” Yes, but that was a long time ago, and never a Longhorn Steer!
Two cowboys had brought their riding steers to the Harvest Festival at Wild Life West in Edgewood, New Mexico this past weekend. I was there participating in an art show, amidst all the tractor pulls, wild bird shows, Native American drum performances and roasted sweet corn. It was a blast! (Sold some paintings, too!)

We listened to some humorous Cowboy Poetry delivered straight from the Longhorn’s back, that included references to the famous West Texas, New Mexico and Colorado cattleman, Charlie Goodnight, who helped blaze the famous Goodnight/Loving Cattle Trail with his buddy, Oliver Loving. These were the same kind of Longhorns that Charlie and his cowboys drove along the trail. When I told them that Charlie was my Great Great Great Uncle, that his sister, Mary Jane Goodnight, was my Great Great Great Grandmother, they invited me over to visit with Abrams for a while. In exchange for getting some pictures of Abrams, and being allowed to sit astride the biggest four-legged ruminant I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, I told them the story of my GGG Grandmother, Mary Jane, and how she came to be the dis-owned sister of the famous Charlie Goodnight.

My GGGGrandaddy, Hiram Daugherty, married the widow Charlotte Goodnight and became stepfather to her kids, Charlie and his older sister, Mary Jane. They lived near Houston, and Hiram was a trader who spent long weeks away from home. On one of these trips, he took Mary Jane with him. She was seventeen. When they returned from the trip, Mary Jane was pregnant.

Charlotte kicked them both out, along with the three children she and Hiram had together. Mary Jane, Hiram and the three little kids made their way across Texas in a covered wagon and finally ended up in the Sacramento Mountains of Southeastern New Mexico. There, they homesteaded in a beautiful valley in Hay Canyon. They raised thirteen children all together: the three they brought with them from Texas that were Hiram’s children with Charlotte, and ten of their own.

Their homestead cabin was built strong and sure alongside a creek in the canyon, and I have seen it several times, still standing as a monument to perseverance and determination. They worked their whole lives to redeem themselves and raise up righteous children. But Mary Jane never again saw or spoke to either her brother or her mother for the rest of her life, such was the price of her sin. She lived a long life, outliving her husband by decades, is buried near Cloudcroft in a sun-dappled aspen grove, next to Hiram. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all remembered her fondly as a good and loving mother and faithful wife. Such is the good news of redemption.

In Charlie’s official biography, he never mentions that he has a sister, and I’ll bet no one knew to ask. When he was asked why his mother, Charlotte, divorced Hiram Daugherty, Charlie said, “For cause.”

An Artist's Journey

2008-08-16T13:50:00.009-06:00

I was invited to give a lecture and trunk show about my journey and development as a quilt artist, last week at the Harvey House Museum in Belen, New Mexico.

At one time, in the early part of the last century, Belen was a major railroad center, a "hub" city for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The Harvey House Restaurants, built by Fred Harvey were elegant eating establishments that lined the north-south route and featured first class dining, an extensive menu and fine linen, crystal and silver. And of course, the renowned Harvey Girls, young women of impeccible reputations who were trained in the fine art of serving fine food to the railroad customers. They lived upstairs in the Harvey Houses, in dorm style rooms, were closely chaperoned and developed reputations for excellent service and high standards.
Belen has lovingly preserved their beautiful Harvey House and made it into an historic museum with exhibits changing monthly.

The rooms of the Harvey House Museum were filled with quilts of all colors and descriptions. They were all made by charitable groups to be given away at hospitals, nursing homes, police stations, anywhere some comfort was needed. It was a privilege to be surrounded by such graciousness and talent!

So, here I am, at the beginning of my lecture to a room full of quilt lovers, men and women both. I showed a dozen quilts that I chose from those remaining in my possession dating back to the very beginnings of my quilt art journey, in 1988 that I felt represented my development as an artist and showcased what I learned along the way.

My early work was all done in squares with the emphasis on color, like the first quilt shown, called "Four Corners" made in 1988. I learned that "Color, pure or muted, is its own magic" and "gradations attract, enfold and please."

"Purple Flower Woman", in the next pic, was made in 1992. By now I was doing much more than dyeing solid colors. I was experimenting with many different kinds of "surface design" techniques. I learned that "Squares and triangles give strength and stability. Patterns fascinate, involve and deceive. Repetitions are to forms what beats are to music. The obvious is enchanted by the hidden. Soft edges invite caress and touch."

"Sand Tracks", made in 2000, won the best of show at Fiber Celebrated International 2001. It is made mostly from silks and fine cottons and is based on the idea of the force of wind in the southwest. It is collaged and contains actual polished stone beads sewn to the surface.

The final piece pictured here is "Elements" made in 2001. It began as a playful exercise in composition using leftover pieces from previous work. After I had made a couple of blocks, I got an idea for a complete quilt, finished up the blocks and dyed the background fabric in cotton sateen in a shibori-style gradation representing the transition from water to earth to sky.

I made my last quilts in 2003. Since that time, I have been painting in oils!

You can see the rest of the quilts along with their artist's statements on my website at

http://www.katywidger.com/ Just click on the Paintings in Hand Dyed Fabric link to see more!

Field Stone Wall

2008-08-12T16:04:00.001-06:00

Here’s the final painting. I spent the morning sketching the wildflowers I thought I might put in the painting. As you can see, the flowers are quite tiny in the actual painting, but it helps to know what shapes they assume in real life, even if you’re painting them in miniature, almost as “suggestions” rather than as flower portraits.
The sky came from another photo of Ireland, and I was interested mostly in the light and movement of color from bright blue to graying, with a hint of stormy weather.
I tried to capture the idea of the sun shining from the upper right, down across the mid-section of the wall, onto the daisies. And, I have to admit, this was a bit of a challenge, trying to get the rocks to look like a loosely-stacked field stone wall, with all their odd shapes and the deep shadows with the sky peeping through here and there.
Maybe, perhaps, someday I’ll go to Ireland and see an actual field stone wall for myself!

Field Stone Wall: First Statement

2008-08-08T11:22:00.002-06:00

Here, we’ve got the stone wall roughed in using three values of the beautiful, mauve grey mixture of Ultramarine and Terra Rosa. Looking at a blow-up of the photo tells me that the stone has lots of color! Pale mauves, rosy tones and deep blues. That will be fun to paint! Also, the sky peaks through the stones in many places, which will make it "sparkle" with light and integrate the sky, wall and foreground.

I’ve decided that the light will be coming from the upper right hand side, and shine down, across the mid-section of the wall, and highlight the flowers that will be growing there, in that dark green spot, towards the left hand center at the base of the wall. Those will be white daisies. There will be other flowers, scarlet, purple, blue and yellow, along the wall, as well. The sky will be lighter towards the right hand corner, a more cerulean blue. It will move to a darker, greyer sky on the left side. I’m using Cerulean Blue and Ultramarine for the sky, and adding some Cadmium yellow for the ground. It’s mostly a thin, transparent wash, with just a tiny bit of white added to the Cerulean Blue on the right hand side, where the sky will be lighter.

This is the first “statement”; an underpainting that will serve as the first layer to this small, 5" x 7" painting. It is applied thinly and mostly in a transparent wash of pure hues. Almost all of it will be painted over in the next “statement”, subduing most of the brightest colors, but allowing them to “shine” through in some areas . Right now, I’m going to let this dry and come back again on Monday morning and finish it, hopefully, that day.

Field Stone Wall

2008-08-08T11:09:00.002-06:00

Kathy and a good friend took a trip back across the pond to Ireland in 1972. A trip of a lifetime, back to her homeland, right out of college. What grand fun they had, driving on the “wrong” side of the road, touring the Irish countryside, kissing the Blarney Stone, soaking up the shamrock fields, the blue Irish sky and the enchanting culture of her ancestors!
She snapped dozens of photos on her little Brownie camera, and was especially fond of all the field stone walls that lined country land and highway. Just a long pile of rocks, mostly, cleared from adjoining fields, bounding land and keeping sheep from wandering too far.
She’s asked me to paint one for her, from one of those little Brownie pics from ’72.
Here’s the first step: Palette set up for this first “statement” is simple: Just some Ultramarine Blue and Terra Rosa, mixed together with a bit of Titanium White to make a beautiful grey. We’ll use that to start in on the rock wall. I’m going to “move” the wall and angle it to give the painting a more dynamic interest. The photo shows a pale, washed-out sky, which means it was probably an overcast day with diffused sunlight. Since there’s no strong directional sense to the sunlight falling on the wall, it's kind of bouncing around all over the place, we’ll “manufacture” one.

I’ve never been to Ireland, but I’ve got some great magazines to look at (Ireland of the Welcomes) and the internet is a wealth of wonderful, well-lit photos of Ireland with true colors, to give me a sense of the light and colors there. I’m using my digital frame for all the reference photos I’m using, which back lights the digital images, and gives a more true-to-life picture than a printed photo would.